Cheetahs to host Georgia ahead of match against Boks

Georgia will warm up for their Test match against the Springboks on July 19 in Nelspruit with an encounter in Bloemfontein with the Cheetahs the week before.

The Georgians are making their second trip to South Africa — they played the Boks in 2021 as the South Africans warmed up for the British and Irish Lions — and asked SA Rugby for a preliminary match before they tackle the world champions.

Rian Oberholzer, CEO of SA Rugby, said: “We received a request from Georgia for an extra match on their tour. What better opponent than the Cheetahs, who will be in the middle of their season at that stage?

“We believe it’ll be a great occasion for Cheetahs' fans and rugby supporters in Central South Africa and it will give our visitors a proper hit-out before they take on the Springboks.”

Rory Duncan, CEO of the Cheetahs, said: “We are thrilled to host Georgia for what promises to be an exciting encounter. This is a fantastic opportunity for our supporters to witness top-class rugby in Bloemfontein.

“Playing against Georgia will be a great test for the Cheetahs. The team is up for the challenge, and we are eager to see how we measure against an international side.”

Former England hooker Richard Cockerill coaches the Georgians.

“Playing the Cheetahs will be a great opportunity for us to prepare for the Test match against the Boks,” said Cockerill, who also coached England before taking up the position with the Lelos.

“Bloemfontein is a great place to play rugby, and the Toyota Stadium is an amazing venue. We are excited about testing ourselves against a great rugby nation.”

The Boks’ clash against Georgia at the Mbombela Stadium will be the third and last in the Incoming Series, which kicks off with two Tests against Italy, on July 5 in Pretoria and a week later in Gqeberha.